Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah said to a man: 'Come to the blessed breakfast, - meaning Sahur.'"

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2165 | The Book of Fasting

Linguistic Analysis

The term "Sahur" refers to the pre-dawn meal consumed before beginning the fast. The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically called it "the blessed breakfast" (taʿām al-baraka), indicating its spiritual and physical benefits. The word "baraka" signifies divine blessing, abundance, and spiritual benefit that transcends mere physical nourishment.

Juridical Ruling

This hadith establishes the recommended practice (mustahabb) of taking the Sahur meal. While not obligatory, it carries great merit and distinguishes Islamic fasting from previous religious traditions. The scholars agree that delaying Sahur until shortly before Fajr prayer is preferable, following the Sunnah of the Prophet.

Spiritual Wisdom

The blessing in Sahur operates on multiple levels: it provides physical strength for fasting, enables one to perform morning prayers with vigor, and places the worshipper in a state of obedience during the last third of the night when divine responses to supplications are most assured. This meal transforms a physical act of abstinence into an act of worship filled with divine grace.

Practical Implementation

Even a small amount of food or drink suffices to obtain the blessing of Sahur, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The Sahur is a blessed meal, so do not neglect it even if one of you just takes a gulp of water." This accommodation ensures all believers, regardless of circumstance, can partake in this blessed practice.